On Jan. 31, the Paulist Fathers announced the election of Cathedral of Saint Andrew Rector/Pastor Fr. René Constanza, CSP, as the next president of their missionary society.
In June, Father Constanza will leave the Cathedral for New York to begin his term, succeeding Paulist Father Eric Andrews, who is completing his second, four-year term as president.
Father René has served since 2018 as rector of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as superior of the Paulist Fathers in that city. He also is executive director of the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids, a position he has held since 2016.
“I am deeply humbled and honored by the overwhelming support I have received from my Paulist brothers. Despite the challenging and exciting task ahead, I feel a pervading sense of peace knowing that the Holy Spirit is the one in charge of our community and its mission. It also is comforting to continue trusting in God who has always placed wonderful and talented people around me in every leadership role I have had,” wrote Father René in a message to parishioners and friends.
A native of Belize, Father René is the son of Silvino Constanza Sr., and Dionicia Constanza Tillett.
He earned his undergraduate degree at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, where he studied biology and secondary education. He holds a Master of Arts in higher education administration from the University of Louisville, and a Master of Divinity from The Catholic University of America.
Prior to joining the Paulist Fathers, he was founding principal of Bishop Martin High School in Orange Walk Town, Belize.
Father René was ordained a priest on May 19, 2012. From 2012 to 2016, he was associate pastor of St. Austin Catholic Parish in Austin, Texas.
Since 2018, he also has served as a member of the Paulist General Council.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Read the above release on the Paulist Fathers website.
